Coach Al Golden, who is entering his third year at the helm of the UM football program, addresses members of the UM Citizens Board.

In an effort to increase game attendance and ticket sales among the South Florida business community, the University of Miami Citizens Board hosted a luncheon with Hurricanes head football coach Al Golden on June 20 in the BankUnited Center’s Hurricane 100 Room. More than 100 UM Citizens Board members and guests attended the luncheon, which also featured a special visit by mascot Sebastian the Ibis. The event was part of the Citizens Board’s CB Connects U to Athletics, an initiative aimed at establishing relationships between South Florida businesses and UM athletic programs.

Golden, who is entering his third year at the helm of the UM football program, is the final UM coach of the year to address the Citizens Board. Men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga, who led the Hurricanes to the regular season and Atlantic Coast Conference championships as well as No. 2 national ranking; Amy Deem, director of track and field/cross country; Katie Meier, head women’s basketball coach; and head baseball coach Jim Morris addressed Citizens Board members earlier this year.

Established in 1946, the UM Citizens Board is a select group of more than 265 business, professional, and civic leaders who actively support the University’s philanthropic efforts and promote UM programs. Since its inception, it has raised more than $382 million for the University, including $7 million this past year.